Accessibility Install or Uninstall Braille Support for Narrator in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to install or uninstall braille support for Narrator for all users in Windows 11.

Narrator is a screen reader included with Windows 11 that describes what's on your screen. Narrator lets you use your PC without a mouse to complete common tasks if you’re blind or have low vision. It reads and interacts with things on the screen, like text and buttons. Use Narrator to read and write email, browse the internet, and work with documents.

Narrator supports braille displays from several manufacturers that use a USB or serial port.

Starting with Windows 11 build 262100.6725 (24H2), Narrator now includes Braille viewer that allows you to see on-screen textual and Braille representation of the output shown on a refreshable Braille display. This is a helpful tool for sighted teachers, AT trainers, developers, and testers who do not read Braille or who have limited to no access to a Braille display.

To use Braille display and Braille viewer in Narrator, you will need to install the Braille software package for support.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26300.8497 (Experimental) for Insiders, Microsoft is making refreshable braille displays easier to use in Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard — an open industry standard for braille displays. If your display supports HID, simply connect it via USB and start reading — true plug-and-play with no additional setup required. For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices just like any other accessory, and you can work wirelessly without being tethered to your PC. Compatible HID displays include models like the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. HID braille displays now work during the initial Windows setup experience (OOBE) over USB — meaning users who are deaf-blind can set up their PC independently, right from the first screen. You can customize braille input and output options anytime in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.

Reference:

You must be signed in as an administrator to install or uninstall braille support for Narrator

EXAMPLE: Braille settings for Narrator







1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Accessibility on the left side, and click/tap on Narrator on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Under Braille, click/tap on Use a braille display with Narrator or Configure braille displays. (see screenshots below)


4 Click/tap on the Download and install Braille or Download & install BRLTTY button. (see screenshots below)

If you do not see this download and install option, then it has already been installed.

5 When the download is complete, click/tap on Restart now to finish installing and apply. (see screenshots below)

This will immediately restart the computer. Be sure to save and close anything else first.

1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Optional features on the right side.



3 Click/tap on the View features button. (see screenshot below)


4 If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes. (see screenshot below)


5 Check Accessibility - Braille support, and click/tap on Remove. (see screenshot below)


6 When removing is complete, click/tap on Close. (see screenshots below)


7 Restart the computer to apply.





1 Open Windows Terminal (Admin), and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below you want to use into Windows Terminal (Admin), and press Enter. (see screenshots below)










That's it,
Shawn Brink